Superior cerebellar peduncle

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Superior cerebellar peduncle
vermis with the hemisphere. (Superior peduncle labeled at upper right.)
Dissection showing the projection fibers of the cerebellum. (Superior peduncle labeled at center top.)
Details
Identifiers
Latinpedunculus cerebellaris superior
NeuroNames833
NeuroLex IDbirnlex_1711
TA98A14.1.05.006
A14.1.07.417
A14.1.08.678
A14.1.06.009
A14.1.06.216
TA25846
FMA72495
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy]

In the

ventral spinocerebellar tract. Other afferent tracts are the trigeminothalamic fibers, tectocerebellar fibers, and noradrenergic fibers from the locus coeruleus. The superior peduncle emerges from the upper and medial parts of the white matter of each hemisphere[citation needed
] and is placed under cover of the upper part of the cerebellum.

Structure

Superior cerebellar peduncles are connected together by the

inferior colliculi
, under which they disappear.

Below, they form the upper lateral boundaries of the fourth ventricle, but as they ascend they converge on the dorsal aspect of the ventricle and thus assist in forming its roof.

Decussation

Deep dissection of brain-stem showing decussation

The decussation of superior cerebellar peduncle is the crossing of fibers of the superior cerebellar peduncle across the midline, and is located at the level of the

contralateral red nucleus to eventually become the rubrospinal tract. It is also known as horseshoe-shaped commissure of Wernekinck.[1]
It is important as an anatomical landmark, as lesions above it cause contralateral cerebellar signs, while lesions below it cause ipsilateral cerebellar signs.

Additional images

  • Scheme showing the connections of the several parts of the brain.
    Scheme showing the connections of the several parts of the brain.
  • Superficial dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
    Superficial dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
  • Axial section of the pons, at its dorsal (superior) part.
    Axial section of the pons, at its dorsal (superior) part.
  • Sagittal section through right cerebellar hemisphere. The right olive has also been cut sagittally.
    Sagittal section through right cerebellar hemisphere. The right olive has also been cut sagittally.
  • Dissection showing the course of the cerebrospinal fibers.
    Dissection showing the course of the cerebrospinal fibers.
  • Upper part of medulla spinalis and hind- and mid-brains; posterior aspect, exposed in situ.
    Upper part of medulla spinalis and hind- and mid-brains; posterior aspect, exposed in situ.

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 792 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links